If breakfast nostalgia had a bite-sized form, French Toast Muffin Bites would be it! These warmly spiced, golden treats pack all the cozy flavors of classic French toast into cute, portable muffins—perfect for busy mornings, brunch spreads, or just a sweet pick-me-up. The soft, custardy bread base gets kissed with cinnamon and vanilla, creating a delicate balance of richness and comfort in every bite. If you love a twist on the familiar, this recipe is about to become your new go-to!

French Toast Muffin Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every magic moment in these French Toast Muffin Bites starts with staple ingredients that really count. Each one does more than just fill the bowl—they work together to create divine texture, depth, and that irresistible aroma no one can resist.

6 cups bread (cubed): Choose sturdy bread like brioche or challah for foundation and beautifully soft, fluffy interiors.
1 cup milk: Full-fat milk brings richness and soaks into the bread, ensuring every muffin is moist.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds extra indulgence and tenderness to the custard mixture.
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (Dixie Crystals): Sweetens without overpowering; a necessity for that French toast vibe.
4 large eggs (Eggland’s Best): Act as the binding agent, turning bread cubes into plush, custardy bites.
2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Infuses each bite with warm, aromatic vanilla notes; you can substitute with almond extract for a twist.
3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Essential for that classic French toast flavor and aroma.

How to Make French Toast Muffin Bites

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees F so it’s hot and ready when you are. Grab a twelve-cup muffin tin and give it a good spritz of non-stick cooking spray—this not only ensures easy release, but also helps the edges of your muffin bites get deliciously golden and crisp.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract (or your favorite bakery emulsion), ground cinnamon, and a generous pinch of salt. Spend a little extra time here—whisk until everything’s smooth, light, and the cinnamon is fully incorporated. This is where the magic happens, infusing those French Toast Muffin Bites with heavenly flavor.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes

Toss your cubed bread right into the custard bowl. Gently fold and stir until every morsel is coated and absorbing that luscious mixture. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the bread to soak up all the flavor—this ensures your muffin bites are perfectly moist, not dry.

Step 4: Portion and Bake

Scoop about 1/3 cup of the mixture into each prepared muffin cup. Don’t worry if they mound a bit above the tin—that just means extra crispy edges! Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are puffed and golden and your kitchen smells like a cozy breakfast café.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once done, let the French Toast Muffin Bites sit in the tin for 5 minutes—they’ll firm up just enough to lift out easily. Transfer them to a wire rack so they don’t get soggy, and serve warm. Get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve French Toast Muffin Bites

Garnishes

For that show-stopping finish, dust your muffin bites with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add a pat of whipped butter. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or berries on top adds both color and texture, making them as pretty as they are tasty.

Side Dishes

Pair your French Toast Muffin Bites with crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs for a balanced brunch plate. A simple fruit salad or yogurt parfait on the side lightens things up and rounds out your morning spread beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking three muffin bites on a skewer with a drizzle of glaze for mini French toast kebabs. Arrange on a tiered cake stand for a brunch buffet centerpiece, or nestle them in cute muffin papers with a little jar of syrup for individual serving flair—it’s a breakfast party waiting to happen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pop any French Toast Muffin Bites you’re not immediately devouring into an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to three days in the fridge, ready for quick breakfasts or sneaky snacks.

Freezing

These muffin bites freeze like a dream! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Bring your French Toast Muffin Bites back to life in the microwave for 20-30 seconds per muffin, or pop them in a low oven (300 degrees F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This keeps them soft inside and fresh-tasting, just like new.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free loaf. Look for one that’s hearty enough to hold up to soaking—this way, your French Toast Muffin Bites will keep their shape and delightful texture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, they’re easy to adapt. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for richness. The result is still lusciously soft and just as flavorful.

What bread works best in this recipe?

Brioche, challah, or any dense, eggy bread creates the softest, richest texture. If you have stale French bread lying around, that works wonders too and helps prevent waste.

How can I tell when the muffin bites are done baking?

They’ll be beautifully golden on top, and if you give a gentle press, they should bounce back slightly. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean, with maybe a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these ahead for brunch parties?

Definitely! Simply bake them the night before, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven shortly before serving for impressive, stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new breakfast favorite, give these French Toast Muffin Bites a try. Their sweet aroma, nostalgic flavor, and adorable size will win you (and anyone you love) over at first bite. Go ahead, whip up a batch and see how quickly they disappear from the table!

French Toast Muffin Bites Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffin bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These French Toast Muffin Bites are a delightful twist on classic French toast, baked in muffin form for a fun and easy breakfast or brunch treat. With a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, these bite-sized morsels are perfect for on-the-go mornings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Cubes:

6 cups bread (cubed)

Custard Mixture:

1 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Mix Custard: In a large bowl, combine milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
Add Bread: Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Fill Muffin Cups: Scoop about 1/3 cup of the mixture into each muffin cup.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and set.

Notes

You can customize these muffin bites by adding toppings like fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ensure the bread cubes are well coated with the custard mixture for a moist and flavorful result.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American